Why learn Tamil? Interactive Learning Besides Classroom! In ...

Centre for Language Studies

CLS

Tamil

Why learn Tamil?

•• Tamil is one of the languages spoken in

Singapore, Tamil Nadu of South India and in many other countries in the world Tamil is being taught and learnt as one of the mother tongue language in Singapore schools. Learning Tamil would help one to know about the culture and rich ancient cultural tradition. India is taking centre stage in global economy and thus the knowledge of Tamil provides competitive interface in the future job market.

•• •• ••

Interactive Learning

Besides Classroom!

• Take part in Indian Festivals - Deepavalli, Ponggal……….many more • Little India Visits – Learn to eat Indian food, speak in Tamil to vendors……….many more activities a

In-country experience!

• Immersion trip and exchange programme are forthcoming

Tamil

CLS

Centre for Language Studies

About Tamil Tamil is an ancient language of India which belongs to Dravidian family. It is spoken by more than 50 million people in the state of Tamilnadu where Tamil is the official language. Other than India, Tamil is also spoken by a number of people in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji and South Africa. Tamil is also one of the official languages of Sri Lanka and Singapore. Tamil has the richest and the most ancient literature. Tamil exists in several varieties, the basic ones being literary and colloquial. Tamil is one of the mother tongue languages offered in schools and colleges. Tamil is useful to understand the literary and the cultural values of the Tamils. Tamil language can act as a bridge to build business ties with Tamilnadu. It helps in the betterment of racial harmony among Singaporeans.

Structure of the Language Programme The Tamil programme consists of two modules: Elementary Level: Tamil 1 and Tamil 2

Target Group Tamil 1 is offered to both FASS and non-FASS students who have not received any previous formal education in Tamil.

Entry Requirements Tamil 1 is offered to absolute beginners, i.e., those without formal or informal background in Tamil. Tamil 1 is a pre-requisite for Tamil 2. Those who have background in Tamil and want to enroll in Tamil 2 must take a placement test. Please refer to our website at http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/cls for details of our placement test.

Co-curricular activities and student events Tamil language programme conducts field trips to expose students to the culture and celebration of Indian festivals in Singapore. Besides the Tamil language programme is currently considering to organize an immersion programme and a tour to South India in the near future. More about us For enquiries, please contact: Dr Sunil Kumar Bhatt (Convenor) at [email protected] or Ms Lela Kaur at [email protected]